Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Depart from Moshi at 8am for Machame Gate, where you will meet the porters, guides, and cooks who will accompany you for the next seven days to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Upon arrival, wait at the gate while your climb is registered and the team makes final preparations. The first day’s goal is Machame Camp. Each day, the porters and cooks will go ahead to set up camp before your arrival. On the first day, trek through the moss-draped trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. As the hike progresses, the forest will thin, and the vegetation will transition to include heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, enjoy views of the surrounding area and your ultimate goal, Kibo Peak.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Although considered the easiest day on the Machame Route, today’s trek includes several uphill sections. Carry ample drinking water, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints offering views of the plains and forests below and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above. As you ascend, notice the change in vegetation. The trees become smaller, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s renowned high-altitude plants, Scenecio Kilimanjaro and Lobelia deckenii. After lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, formed when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp, where you can relax for the rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Although this day involves both ascent and descent, it ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters. By early afternoon, you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This day is vital for acclimatization. After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation protruding from the mountainside. Barranco Camp, nestled among stands of Senecio kilimanjari, is considered the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Depart Barranco Camp after an early breakfast to begin the long trek to Barafu Camp. The day starts with an hour and a half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the most challenging part of the day, and in some places, you will need to use your hands to pull yourself up. After reaching the top, make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley before continuing to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers and the junction connecting the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike past the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the path to Barafu is a stark alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, and Rebmann Glacier. Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner, as you will be waking up at midnight for your summit hike.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your headlamp. The ascent to the crater rim is the most demanding part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, complete the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your final hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Be cautious during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi. You will have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where it is certainly time for celebration.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.